Fight Free Radical Damage With Grape Seed Extract
Extract of grape seed is a natural plant substance that has a concentrated source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). These anti-oxidants help protect cells from free radical damage and also promote healthy circulation. Grape seed is rich in polyphenols, a compound that’s high in antioxidants. Studies have shown OPC to be more powerful antioxidants than vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.
Before Extract of grape seed was discovered, the best sources of antioxidants came from vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene; however, these sources were not powerful enough to fight the free radicals and are also excreted by the body within a short time of ingestion. Grape seed extract, on the other hand, has been shown to remain in the body for as long as 3 full days, and is 20 times more potent than vitamin C, and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E.
The medicinal and nutritional value of grapes (Vitis vinifera) has been heralded for thousands of years. Egyptians consumed this fruit at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes usually in the form of wine. European folk healers developed an ointment from the sap of grapevines to cure skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats and dried grapes (raisins) were used to heal consumption, constipation, and thirst. The round, ripe, sweet grapes, were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.
Among other beneficial effects, the active compounds in grape seed are believed to have antioxidant properties. In fact, a recent study of healthy volunteers found that supplementation with grape seed extract substantially increased levels of antioxidants in the blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals which are damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death.
Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, smoke, certain prescription and non-prescription drugs, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
The most commonly known antioxidants are vitamin E and vitamin C. A combination of these two in the mammalian red blood cells in reducing the toxicity of free radicals has proved more effective in vitro as well as in vivo. However, there are other antioxidants too that are effective in overcoming the toxicity of free radicals in our body. One of them is the grape seed proanthocyandin extract (GSPE) which can prevent many developments of various diseases especially with age such as cancer, inflammation, atherogenesis, ulcerations, cataracts, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are present in leaves, fruits, pine barks, roots and flowers. Proanthocyanidins are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E. At present, the red grape seed extract are used as nutritional supplements by many. Besides the grape seeds, other sources of PACs are cocoa, apples, peanuts, almonds, various berries such as the cranberries and blue berries.
Grape seed extract is available in capsule, liquid extract and tablet forms at your internet or local health food store. Look for name brands like Solaray, Source Naturals and Natures Plus to ensure quality and purity of the products you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Grape seed extract is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.